Concerns in Myanmar: For peace, Myanmar needs outside help.

Source: The post concerns in Myanmar has been created, based on the article “For peace, Myanmar needs outside help. Friends, including India, must step in” published in “Indian express” on 8th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

News: The article discusses the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, involving the military government (SAC) and the Resistance. The UN is worried about rising violence, and there’s a need for external aid and peace efforts. India, as a neighboring country, could help resolve this crisis. For peace Myanmar needs outside help

For detail information on Myanmar crisis read Article 1, Article 2, Article 3

What is the current situation in Myanmar?

Myanmar is divided post-2021 military coup, with areas controlled by the military government (SAC) and the Resistance.

The United Nations is deeply concerned about escalating conflict and civilian risks.

About 2.7 million people are displaced, with a prediction of 1 million more by end of 2024.

An estimated 18.6 million people, including 6 million children, need humanitarian assistance.

What are the main concerns in Myanmar?

Escalation of Conflict: The UN has expressed deep concern over the worsening situation and the increased conflict in Myanmar.

Risk to Civilians: Civilians are seriously at risk due to the ongoing violence.

Expansion in Rakhine State: Conflict is expanding in Rakhine State, known for existing vulnerabilities and discrimination, potentially inciting more communal tensions.

Forced Military Recruitment: A new conscription law leads to the forcible recruitment of youth, exacerbating the crisis.

Increased Air Strikes: There’s been a fivefold increase in air strikes by the military in the last five months.

Aid Delivery Challenges: The flow of aid is minimal and hindered by logistical challenges in the conflict-ravaged nation.

Lack of Consensus: There is a significant challenge in de-escalating violence and delivering humanitarian aid due to the animosities between the SAC and the Resistance.

What should be done?

Establishing Dialogue: There’s a need for an innovative dialogue mechanism among all relevant parties.

Humanitarian Corridor: Thailand considers creating a “humanitarian corridor” inside Myanmar.

External Assistance: Aid from ASEAN countries, China, India, and Bangladesh is crucial. India and other neighbors should develop practical, context-aware proposals to advise policymakers.

Addressing the Constitution Issue: Finding a middle ground between SAC’s 2008 constitution and the Resistance’s demand for a new constitution is important.

Ensuring Regional Stability: Addressing Myanmar’s crisis is vital for the peace and progress of the region.

Question for practice:

Examine how the escalating conflict in Myanmar is impacting civilian safety and regional stability, and what roles can neighbor countries, particularly India, play in resolving this crisis?